SAMAAnews Issue 2 of 2019
Newsletter of the South African Model Aircraft Association
The SAMAA Mission: To add value to your flying experience through communication, information, promotion, education, and the support of dialogue.
2019 Aerial Concepts SAMAA Combined Power Nationals SIG flags flying proudly at the entrance road to HMAFE. Lightest of breezes had the photographer waiting patiently for unfurling!
Better and better. With every edition of the Combined Power Nationals, the organisation improves, and the skill level increases. This year was no exception, and although the participant numbers may have been slightly down on last year, the Nats attracted many new and firsttime participants. Unfortunately, many of those that had entered, did not show, for various reasons. Now, if only we can get all the pilots from 2015 to 2019 at the 2020 Nationals, we may just have a time problem! Several new features were employed cat this year’s Nats: There was a very well-enjoyed welcome function on Friday evening, at no extra cost to participants. A good variety of snacks, and wine, in the comfortable hangar of HMAFE. The organisers arranged for a podium, which greatly enhanced the prize giving process, and made for great photo opportunities. The trophies were custom-moulded, with the SAMAA logo as motif, and finished to different heights, in Gold, Silver, and Bronze. These trophies will become standard issue at future Nats, and we know that they will have much more importance than over-priced, store-bought, plastic, imported trophies. Each SIG had its own flag flying at the event, giving recognition to the SIG, and creating a festive atmosphere. The closing date for the Nats was better managed this year, and we did not have a flood of late entries that messed with the planning of the time schedule. A post-Nats meeting by the SIGs expressed an interest to have an additional fee for each class entered. The problem was created with many withdrawals, some with legitimate reasons, and other were simply stay-aways. At least it did not affect the trophies hat were manufactured, since these are now re-usable. The direction from the SAMAA Management Committee, is that we must have the Nats at Henley again, and the owners, Marius and Susan Vosloo, indicated that the site will be available for use again in 2020. So, no excuse; start your planning now, put in leave, build aeroplanes, and become part of South Africa’s biggest competitive event.
SIG chairmen negotiating, bargaining, discussing, and buying time!
Planning board had one-hour coloured segments that could be placed where the SIG chairmen desired flying slots, days, runways, etc.
The beautiful facilities at HMAFE were enjoyed by all. Campers were happy.
HMAFE chalet was available for scoring, administration, etc.
Friday night welcoming function was appreciated by all who attended.
Bronze, Gold, and Silver trophies were a welcome change to the awards.
SAMAA News Issue 2 of 2019 - Page 1